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Two men who beat Chatham father to death given total of 30 years in jail (15 December 2015)

Date: 15/12/2015
Duncan Lewis, Legal News Solicitors, Two men who beat Chatham father to death given total of 30 years in jail

Canterbury Crown Court has jailed two men for a total of 30 years, over the killing of a man in Chatham, Kent.

Michael Tierney died in hospital two days after being attacked by George French and William Fleming in June 2015. Mr Tierney was repeatedly beaten near his home, after challenging the two defendants over their drunken behaviour.

The court heard that Mr Tierney had pursued French and a second man who did not take part in the later attack, after they had kicked through the gate he had built at the end of the alleyway by his house, to stop fly tipping in the alley.

The pair had also been aggressive and intimidating towards Mr Tierney’s partner and neighbours.

George French was convicted of murder and was sentenced to life and ordered to serve a minimum of 18 years.

William Fleming – who had joined in the attack – was convicted of manslaughter and was jailed for 12 years and will serve a further three years on extended licence.

Kelly Wicker – who had pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice at an earlier hearing – was jailed for a total of three years and four months.

After sentencing, Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS South East, Jaswant Narwal, said:

“The circumstances of Michael Tierney's death were completely and utterly senseless.

“He took matters into his own hands, not prepared to tolerate the drunken behaviour of the two defendants and pursued them.

“It was a decision which tragically resulted in his death in hospital two days later, after an appalling and savage beating at the hands of the defendants.

“None of us can imagine the impact this has had on Michael's partner – who arrived on the scene just after the attack took place – or their two children.

“We hope today's sentencing brings some comfort to them after the terrible loss they have suffered.”

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